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July 26, 2015

Three children in lead-scare show slow development

26-07-2015

Three young children who live at estates where drinking water was contaminated with excessive levels of lead are showing signs of slower than normal development. But the Department of Health, which conducted tests on 23 children who live at the affected Kai Ching and Kwai Luen estates, says it's too early to say if this is related to the tainted water.

Previous tests showed the blood of the 11-month-old baby and the two three-year-old boys contained excessive levels of lead.

The Department of Health conducted tests on them to check their physical and cognitive abilities, and whether they have any communication or emotional problems.

A government doctor in charge of the assessment said there's no evidence to suggest their slow development was related to the consumption of lead-tainted water.

She said in general, 10 percent of children develop slower than others. She also said a conclusion could not be drawn from just one assessment, adding that continuous monitoring is needed.

http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20150726/news_20150726_56_1119020.htm